NEW YORK, NY — Ruth Messinger, president of American Jewish World Service (AJWS), released the following statement today in response to the passing of Andrew Hunter, president of the Global Network of Sex Work Projects (NSWP) and founding member of Asia Pacific Network of Sex Workers (APNSW), an AJWS grantee.

“Yesterday we lost a powerful human rights advocate and a great man,” said Messinger. “Andrew Hunter was a pioneering leader in the sex worker rights movement and a tenacious advocate for HIV and AIDS treatment. He fought tirelessly for the dignity, health and safety of sex workers worldwide. The life force of his activism will never be forgotten. We extend our deepest condolences to Andrew’s partner Dale, his friends and his family during this difficult time.”